Clean-up FAQs
I can no longer make the Planet Patrol clean up I signed up to, how do I cancel my spot?
If you are no longer able to attend your Planet Patrol session, you can cancel your booking by clicking the cancel button in the confirmation email you recieved.
The clean up I want to attend is full, can I be added to a waiting list?
To be added to the waiting list please send us an email with your name and details of the clean up you would like to attend, with the subject line ‘Waiting list request’.
How can I organise a community litter pick in my local area?
Our Community Guardians organise clean ups in their local areas. To organise a litter pick in your local area as a Planet Patrol Community Guardian check out this page about how to become a Community Guardian.
Where can I buy Planet Patrol buckets and litter picking equipment?
You can purchase these from our shop here.
Do I need to be an experienced paddleboarder to join a clean up?
No experience is needed for our paddleboarding clean ups. All Planet Patrol clean ups are led by qualified instructors who will teach you the basics before you go on the water. Equipment is also provided. Everyone is welcome at our clean ups, whether complete beginners or seasoned paddlers! If you want to learn a bit about paddleboarding before your clean up, check out this video by Planet Patrol Founder, Lizzie Carr MBE.
Do you supply all equipment at clean ups?
Yes, everyone who signs up is provided with all the equipment needed for the session (including litter pickers, reusable gloves, bags or buckets) and everything you need for paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking or yoga depending on the type of clean up. We recommend that you wear active wear that you can move around in and bring some water (in a reusable bottle of course).
What type of clean ups does Planet Patrol run?
Planet Patrol runs Paddleboarding, Canoeing, Kayak, Yoga clean ups as well as on foot litter picks organised and led by our Community Guardians.
How can I find the nearest Planet Patrol clean up to me?
To find a Planet Patrol clean up near you, go to the ‘Attend a Clean Up’ page here. Also check if there is Planet Patrol Community Guardian in your region, to join your regional Facebook group. That way you can keep up to date with activity in your area and join regular litter picks.
Can I bring children to a clean up?
All of our activity-based clean ups (paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, yoga, parkour and fitness) are for 16+. Children are welcome to attend to litter picks on land under the supervision of a parent or guardian. Please get in touch by emailing hello@planetpatrol.co if you would like to bring children or if you are under 16 and would like to attend a clean up.
Do you need to pay to join Planet Patrol clean ups?
We require a £10 deposit to secure your spot on a clean up. If you do not attend or do not cancel your spot within 48 hours for the session you will not be refunded. If you attend the session, you can request a refund up to one week after the clean up by emailing us at hello@planetpatrol.co. If you’d prefer to donate your deposit to support Planet Patrol’s mission then you don’t need to do anything – all contributions go directly towards our operations and any donations are hugely appreciated.
I attended a clean up and would like to provide feedback - how can I do this?
We would love to hear your feedback of your experience with Planet Patrol! You can leave us feedback at this link. You can leave us a review on our Facebook page here or rate and review the Planet Patrol app – this helps other people find and download the app so we can continue to increase the amount of data we collect! For any other feedback or questions, drop us an email.
I would like to donate to Planet Patrol, how can I do this?
There isn't a Planet Patrol clean up located near me, how can I still get involved?
If you can’t make the Planet Patrol clean ups listed on our website, you can still get involved by downloading our free Planet Patrol app. Here you can join a Mission or log litter wherever, whenever. This way you can be a part of our global community of citizen scientists wherever.
What do I need to bring to a Planet Patrol clean up?
Wear light, breathable clothing. Gym clothing is ideal and trainers with grip. Avoid denim.
You may want to bring a change of clothes and shoes as sometimes these get wet. If it is set to be a sunny day, bring sunscreen or apply this beforehand. You may want to bring water to stay hydrated.
We strive to make all our clean ups single-use plastic free so please consider using a reusable container for your drink. All equipment for litter picking and the activity is provided.
How can I fundraise for Planet Patrol?
See our ideas, inspiration and top tips for fundraising here. Planet Patrol operates on a non-profit basis so all donations are hugely appreciated.
I'd like to become a Community Guardian, how do I apply?
You can apply to be a Planet Patrol’s Community Guardian and find out more about the programme here.
I've signed up for a Planet Patrol clean up, but haven't received a confirmation email. What should I do?
If you have signed up to a clean up and paid your deposit but haven’t received a confirmation email from Planet Patrol, please check in your spam/junk folder, in case the email has ended up there. If you still can’t find the email, please contact Planet Patrol’s team here.
Can I join a Planet Patrol clean up with my own paddleboard / watercraft?
Unfortunately you can’t join one of our regular clean ups using your own paddleboard/watercraft. This is due to the insurance arrangement that we have with our partners. You may be able to join a non-Planet Patrol clean up run by our partner clubs.
Planet Patrol App FAQs
How do I share user feedback about the Planet Patrol app?
To share feedback about the Planet Patrol app, either go to the menu bar in the app and click on ‘Feedback’ or share your feedback with us here.
Can I use the Planet Patrol app outside of the UK?
Yes! The Planet Patrol app can be used anywhere in the world. Have a look at our ‘Litter Map’ to see where in the world our users are.
How do you use the data collected in the Planet Patrol app to inform the Government?
Data collected in the Planet Patrol app is analysed alongside researchers at the University of Glasgow and University of Nottingham to uncover trends and patterns. Insights are reported publicly in our annual reports and shared with relevant authorities and Government to inform and influence policy changes and improve waste management practices. You can read our reports here.
Why do I need to record information about the brands of litter I collect?
By recording the brands of litter that you collect, we are able to hold the biggest polluting brands to account and ensure they take more responsibility for the product life cycle. All of the top polluting brands recorded in the Planet Patrol app are highlighted in our public annual reports. Based on insight provided by volunteers using the app, Planet Patrol works with a number of major retailers and brands to advise on new solutions and strategies to reduce litter and increase reuse and recycling rates. We want to drive innovation and to solve the problem as quickly as possible.
How do I add a photo of litter to the Planet Patrol app?
You can add a photo by clicking on the button on the bottom right corner of the screen that says ‘Record your litter’. You can then either select a photo from your camera roll or take a photo in the app. Once you have taken and selected the photo, tap the photo to tag the type, brand and amount of litter.
How can I see litter that I have recorded?
To see the litter that you have recorded and uploaded, click on your Account profile in the menu bar in the app to see a list of your contributions. You can also zoom in and out of the global litter map to find your images. To see your position on the global leaderboard, click on ‘leaderboard’ in the menu bar.
Do I need to take a picture of each piece of litter individually?
You don’t need to take a picture of each piece individually, but you do need to ensure that each item of litter is clearly visible in the photo (so we can verify that the information is correct). Once you have selected the photo, tap on the items on the photo to add all the types, brands and amounts that are visible in the image. Don’t take photos of bags or piles of litter where individual items are not visible – this is important as it is photographic evidence to verify the details about the types, brands and amounts you input. An example of a ‘good’ photo is shown below.
My photo won't upload, what should I do?
If you are experiencing problems, first check that you have the latest version of the app installed. If you have the latest version and are still having problems, please leave a message clearly explaining the problem by clicking on ‘Feedback’ in the menu bar, or here. Also try exiting the app and reopening.
What is the recommended way to record litter in the Planet Patrol app?
We recommend that you lay out the litter items you have collected on the floor, with all items visible, then take a photo of a few items at a time. An example is shown below. Once you have selected the photo, tap on the items on the photo to add all the types, brands and amounts that are visible in the image.
Should I still collect and upload non-branded items?
Yes! This is also very important data – we want to understand exactly what items of litter are polluting the environment so we can manage and prevent pollution in the first place. Many items that you find will be unbranded or fragmented and we still need to know about this.
Can I upload photos of items even if I do not want to pick it up or if it is out of reach?
Yes, please do! If you don’t feel comfortable picking up litter or are unable to reach litter you have seen, you can still take a photograph and add details of the types and brands visible. The data you collect is vital evidence that brands and governments cannot ignore.
Is it acceptable to litter pick in one location and take your items home, then upload the photo at home?
Yes, you are able to select the location that the litter was collected in, rather than the location of where you took the photo as we are aware that this might not always be the same location.
Can we upload items other than just plastic?
Yes, you can upload all types of litter. Plastic is not the only material that pollutes the environment and we regularly find metals, glass, ceramic and other materials on Planet Patrol. In fact in 2020, almost the same number of metal drinks cans as plastic bottles were recorded. To see the breakdown of different materials and litter types that our patrollers found in 2020, read our annual litter report here.
How can I find my position on the Planet Patrol leaderboard?
How can I join a Mission in the app?
I can't see litter I've uploaded on the Litter App or my Account. What should I do?
Images usually take 48 hours to appear on the Litter Map as they have to be moderated first. If 48 hours have passed since your upload, follow the steps below:
Go to the menu bar, click on ‘About’
- Scroll down the About page and click on ‘RECACHE PHOTOS’
- Then logout and login again
If this does not resolve the issue, please go to ‘Feedback’ in the app menu bar and describe the issue you are experiencing so our team can investigate.
Corporate and Business FAQ
How can I get my company involved in Planet Patrol clean ups?
Planet Patrol can organise clean ups for your company and we would love to have you involved. Find out more information and costings here and get in touch with your requirements.
Where can I buy litter picking equipment for staff clean ups?
You can purchase our favourite group litter picking kits on Planet Patrol’s online shop here.
How do I organise a fundraising event for Planet Patrol?
See our ideas, inspiration and top tips for fundraising here. Planet Patrol operates on a non-profit basis so all donations are hugely appreciated.
Is Planet Patrol a charity?
Planet Patrol is a Community Interest Company (CIC), a type of charitable limited company. We are a non-profit organisation to protect, preserve and restore nature.
How can I organise a talk from Planet Patrol for my company?
Planet Patrol provides talks and Q&As for companies and we would love to hear from you. Find out more information and costs here and get in touch with your requirements.
How can we become an official sponsor for Planet Patrol?
Planet Patrol takes partnerships seriously and these are all bespoke. We’re looking for forward-thinking organisations looking to make a difference and advance our mission to clean up the planet. If your company or brand would like to be a sponsor of Planet Patrol’s activities, please get in touch and tell us a bit more about your brand and objectives.
What health and safety measures are in place for corporate clean ups?
Are Planet Patrol clean ups covered under insurance?
Yes, all Planet Patrol clean ups are insured and you can see our latest insurance policy here.
Can we co-brand merchandise with Planet Patrol?
There are opportunities to co-brand merchandise with Planet Patrol as part of a wider partnership. You can find out more about our corporate opportunities here and then get in touch with your ideas and requirements
Water Watch FAQs
Where do I complete the survey?
You will need to download the Planet Patrol app and create an account in order to complete the Water Watch survey. If you aren’t able to download the app, or you have any issues, you can complete the survey via our online form instead.
Do I need any equipment to take part?
There is no equipment required to participate in Water Watch – it’s purely observational and you aren’t required to access the water.
Can anyone participate in Spring Water Watch?
It’s a nationwide survey so if you’re in the UK then you’re eligible to participate. It’s designed to be accessible to anyone – even without a scientific background. There is guidance in the Planet Patrol app to help identify particular species, wildlife or signs of pollution and there’s lots of resources on the website too.
Can I survey multiple waterways?
Yes, of course. You are welcome to survey multiple waterways or visit different parts of the same waterway, just make sure you start a new survey for each site you visit. We want to cover as many of the UK’s waterways as possible to give us lots of insights.
How long does it take to complete the survey?
We recommend taking around 15 minutes to complete the survey but you can spend as long (or as little) time as you like observing your surroundings for signs of wildlife and pollution, whilst completing the survey on the Planet Patrol app.
Do I need to have scientific experience to participate in citizen science surveys like Spring Water Watch?
There’s no experience necessary and you don’t need to have any scientific experience or background to participate. Spring Water Watch is open to everyone and we’re here to help guide you through step by step.
Can I participate in Spring Water Watch if I live near a coastal area?
Spring Water Watch is surveying the UK’s freshwater habitats, so if you live near a coastal area and want to take part, have a look on a map to find your nearest river/canal/stream/lake/pond or freshwater estuary.
Will I receive any updates on Spring Water Watch and what happens to the data collected during Spring Water Watch?
All the information you record in the Planet Patrol app will be analysed by the team and the findings will be released publicly. If you’ve chosen to opt-in to receive further updates about Spring Water Watch, we’ll share the results via our newsletter and our website, Instagram and TikTok social channels
Is there a deadline for submitting my Water Watch survey findings?
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